Château Clarke 2016 (Bordeaux) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is an excellent Left Bank Bordeaux red wine from the Listrac-Médoc AOC that arrived at the LCBO last month as part of the February 20, 2021 LCBO VINTAGES Release - with plenty of bottles still available across Ontario.

Château Clarke bears the name of the Irish family that acquired this wine estate in 1771. Over the next 200 years, the estate has been handed down over several generations while keeping the winemaking tradition alive. With a love for wine like many of his family members, Baron Edmond de Rothschild acquired Château Clarke in 1973 with a dream to turn this intimate, unassuming, and promising vineyard into a masterpiece with the pursuit of excellence. After the acquisition, the neglected vineyard was re-created over several years to the 54 hectares of vines that exist today. The focus on excellence in the vineyard and cellar has elevated Château Clarke to rank among best wines of Médoc. With the passing of Baron Edmond de Rothschild in January, the estate was inherited by his son, Benjamin de Rothschild.

Listrac-Médoc AOC, which itself is located in lower-central Médoc, is known for its three gravel terraces on limestone foundation soils. The nearby Atlantic Ocean gives the terroir in Listrac-Médoc a freshness that is reflected in the aromatic brilliance of the wine. While all Left Bank Bordeaux wines are usually blends with Cabernet Sauvignon the dominant varietal, there are exceptions such as Château Clarke. The vines at Château Clarke are planted on clay-limestone hilltops that are ideal for Merlot. Thus, this red wine is predominantly Merlot, and the 2016 is a blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon.

I've had the pleasure of tasting previous vintages of this wine and have always been impressed by it. From an excellent 2016 Bordeaux vintage, let's see how this is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

CHÂTEAU CLARKE 2016 - AC Listrac-Médoc, Bordeaux, France (#503904) (XD) - $54.95
Blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon. The shy nose slowly reveals itself with aromas of crushed dark berry, blackberry, black cherry, raspberry, and earthy wood aromas with whiffs of pretty red florals and herb. The full-bodied, concentrated, and structured palate has elegance and very good depth of fruit with nicely balanced spicy flavours of dark berry, black cherry, raspberry, and savoury earthy notes joined by stony mineral and sour cherry flavours. There's a touch of warmth on the mid-palate, but it's still well-balanced by juicy acids and firm, slightly chalky tannins. Savoury, stony mineral, and red berry flavours linger on the finish, with excellent length. A lovely Bordeaux to enjoy now through to the mid-2030s. Score: 92+ pts

To find other lovely wines by Château Clarke, please contact Philippe Dandurand Wines Ltd.

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Great Italian Wines - Understanding Indigenous Grape Varieties - Sangiovese & Vernaccia di San Gimignano

After enjoying last month's masterclass on Great Italian Wines - Understanding Indigenous Grape Varieties featuring Nebbiolo & Valpolicella, I travelled to Tuscany yesterday evening (virtually, of course) to learn about the grape varietals Sangiovese & Vernaccia di San Gimignano. This class is the second in the series being held by the Italian Chamber of Commerce of Ontario Canada (ICCO Canada).

Tuscany is Italy's oldest wine producing region with winegrowing activities by the Etruscans occurring as far back as the 8th century BC. The hilly terrain is ideal for producing world class wines, and although Tuscany is the 4th most widely planted wine region in Italy by acreage, they are 6th most by volume due to the focus on lower yields and higher quality. Of the total wine production, 85% is devoted to producing red and rosé wines, and 15% to white wines. Sangiovese is the most widely planted varietal in Tuscany, while Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG is considered to be Tuscany's most noblest white wine.

Vernaccia is a white wine grape grown mainly in the commune of San Gimignano within the province of Siena, Tuscany, in north-central Italy. The earliest record of Vernaccia in San Gimignano dates back to the year 1276. Vernaccia is yellow-green and amber coloured and grows in big bunches with medium-sized berries. It prefers sandstone with marly clay soils at altitudes between 200 and 400 metres above sea-level.

Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG is a designation of quality, similar to the French AOC system. To meet DOCG standards, 85% of of the wine must be cultivated within San Gimignano, and 15% of the wine can be blended with other local white, non-aromatic grapes. Riserva wines are aged in wood for a minimum of 11 months, plus a further 3 months in bottle prior to release. Typical aromas and flavours of Vernaccia di San Gimignano wines are white flowers, green apple, citrus, and honey, as I detected in the fine, unoaked example that was featured in the masterclass.

Sangiovese is one of the most important grape varieties in Italy and among the top 10 in the world. Approximately 10% of all vineyards in Italy are planted to Sangiovese, while more than 60% of vineyards in Tuscany are home to Sangiovese. Although Sangiovese's origins are unknown, it is thought to come from domesticated wild vines of Etruscan origin. There is also some DNA evidence that suggests it came from the south as a cross between varietals Ciliegiolo and Calabrese di Montenuovo. The name "Sangiovese" comes from the latin term "sanguis Jovis", which translates to "the blood of Jove or Jupiter".

In the vineyard, Sangiovese buds early and is slow to ripen. It thrives on hillsides and higher altitudes (up to a certain point), and prefers the direct sunlight, warmth, and dry climate that is found in Tuscany. Sangiovese is very sensitive to terroir and prefers soils with limestone such as Galestro and Alberese. As the king of Tuscan viticulture, Sangiovese produces wines of many different styles from many places in Tuscany. Notable wines include Chianti DOCG, Chianti Classico DOCG, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG, Morellino di Scansano DOCG, and the Super Tuscans. Typical fruit aromas and flavours are in the red cherry, sour cherry, strawberry, and raspberry spectrum, plus savoury notes of earth, leather, licorice, and tobacco, as well as floral notes. High acidity and firm tannins are also characteristics of Sangiovese wines, lending itself to be highly ageable.

Both of the lovely wines featured in the masterclass are represented by Cavinona, an Ontario-based wine agency that specializes in Italian wine, and can be purchased by the bottle at their wine shops - contact Cavinona directly for details. You can also purchase the Vernaccia by the case and use discount code ICCOMARCH for 10% off until April 14th. This special discount code can be used on any case purchase on cavinona.com.

The small bites included as part of the tasting package contained some Pecorino Toscano DOP and Grana Padano DOP cheeses, as well as Taggiasche and Baresane Olives. The package also included Patè di Fegatini with crostini (Tuscan chicken liver patè) and Focaccia Toscana, all of which were made in-house by Chef Boris and Head Butcher at Spaccio, Terroni's production kitchen.

The final masterclass in the series is on April 15th and will focus on the grape varieties Aglianico & Montepulciano. You can join us by registering for the free class here. To order your wines for the April 15th masterclass, please visit Bottega di Terroni. To participate on social media, follow @trueitaliantaste and these hashtags on Instagram: #ExtraordinaryItalianTaste #TrueItalianTaste #iffoodcouldtalk.

Tasting Notes:

IL COLOMBAIO DI SANTA CHIARA SELVABIANCA VERNACCIA DI SAN GIMIGNANO 2019 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (XD) - $29.24
100% Vernaccia di San Gimignano that was organically grown on sandy soils rich in stone and fossils, and deep soil with mixed consistency and pebbles. Hand-harvested and fermented in cement vats and stainless steel tanks, while also spending some months on the lees. Fresh, medium-high intensity nose offers delightful aromas of white florals, lemon citrus, green apple, leesy mineral, and wet stone characters. It's medium-full to full-bodied on the ripe, concentrated, palate with flavours of honeysuckle, floral, lemon, and stony-leesy mineral notes. It has succulent, juicy acidity while leesy, mineral and some saline notes linger on the long, chalky textured finish. Best enjoyed on the cool side. Score: 91 pts

ISTINE VIGNA CAVARCHIONE CHIANTI CLASSICO 2017 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (XD) - $57.49
Organically farmed, 100% Sangiovese from the best selection of the vineyard in the Radda in Chianti sub-zone. It was fermented in concrete tanks and aged in 20 hL Slavonian oak barrels for 12 months. Fragrant, intense, perfumed aromatics are elegant with notes of red cherry, cinnamon, red floral, sweet spice, and clove. On the medium-full to full-bodied on the palate it has very good fruit concentration with lovely aroma replays of red cherry, floral, sweet cinnamon spice, and savoury earthy notes. It has very good acidity and some structure to the slightly chalky textured tannins. Excellent length on the long, savoury, and juicy finish. Gorgeous! Score: 92 pts

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San Pedro 1865 Selected Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 (Chile) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is a fine Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile that returned to the LCBO over the weekend as part of the March 6th LCBO VINTAGES Release.

Founded in 1865 in the Curicó Valley by the Correa brothers, Viña San Pedro is today one of Chile's most important producers. The brothers were pioneers in bringing different varieties from the Old World to the Curicó, exploring the rich and varied soils of Chile, while also welcoming new opportunities to further the progress of Chilean winemaking. Viña San Pedro produces a diverse range of wines of exceptional quality from distinct origins, while also working in harmony with nature and the environment to meet their sustainable goals.

This particular Cabernet Sauvignon is from the 1865 Wines Collection - a distinct set of wines that was created in 1997 to honour the founding of San Pedro in 1865 and highlights the unique regions and styles. Each bottle of 1865 wine is the product of careful selection of emblematic varietals from Chile's most recognized wine regions. The grapes for this Cabernet Sauvignon come from Chile's finest terroir in the Maipo Valley. It was grown mainly in the Los Piedros Vineyard at the foothills of the Andes Mountains where the soils are poor and gravelly. In this vineyard, there is also a second terrace that has alluvial soil from the Maipo River, a terroir that helps produce Chile's best Cabernet Sauvignon.

I have tasted and recommended previous editions of this fine Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon, so let's see how the 2018 is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

SAN PEDRO 1865 SELECTED VINEYARDS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2018 - DO Maipo Valley, Chile (#37911) (XD) - $19.95
The medium+ intensity nose offers fresh red and black berry fruit, and cassis with touches of minty herb, wood spice, and a whiff of earthy mineral. The full-bodied, concentrated palate is spicy with more red and black fruit, and savoury oak flavours. It has fresh, lively acidity and refined, structured tannins that have some chalky grip. The minty herbal notes arrive on the mid-palate, joined by savoury oak on the satisfying finish, with very good length. Score: 89 pts

Other lovely wines from Viña San Pedro can be found at the LCBO, as well as through their Agent - Philippe Dandurand Wines Ltd.

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Michael David Freakshow Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 (California) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is a delicious California Cabernet Sauvignon from the Lodi Appellation. The Freakshow is a frequent visitor to the LCBO and the latest vintage arrived in Ontario today as part of the March 6, 2021 LCBO VINTAGES Release.

It is produced by Michael David Winery, a family-run producer that has long and deep roots in Lodi - a wine region that sits east of San Francisco Bay and the west of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Founded by brothers Michael and David Phillips, they are the 5th generation of the Phillips family that have been farming the soils of Lodi since the 1860's and winegrowing since the early 20th century. Michael's son, Kevin, and daughter, Melissa, are now the 6th generation of the family to join the team.

With a drive to leave the land in a better condition for future generations, it is a family legacy to focus on sustainability. Although Michael David wines can be unconventional, they are all responsibly grown in a sustainable manner - environmental, social, and economic - according to appellation rules, of which there are more than 100 standards that account for all aspects to making quality wine.

There are a few ranges of wines in the Michael David portfolio, including some that are packaged in cans. Thus, there is something for everyone. Michael and David are also known for their quirky personalities, while their wines are known for standing apart from the crowd, as the label of this wine illustrates. This particular red wine is from their Freakshow range, with the Cabernet Sauvignon coming from "Super Freak" himself, Michael Phillips' own Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard.

Tasting Note:

MICHAEL DAVID FREAKSHOW CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2018 - Lodi, California, USA (#405175) (D) - $29.95
A blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Petite Sirah, and 2% Syrah that was raised in French oak (40% new), it has an inviting and somewhat exotic medium+ intensity aromas of Bing cherry, red berry, cinnamon, strawberry preserve, baking spice, and touches of milk chocolate wafting out of the glass. On the nicely balanced, full-bodied palate it has flavours of ripe cassis, cherry, red berry, clove, and baking spice notes that are supported by smooth, refined tannins and juicy acidity. Closes with savoury, earthy, clove spice, and chocolate notes on the juicy finish, with very good length. Freakishly delicious! Score: 89 pts

Other delicious wines from Michael David Winery can be found at the LCBO, as well as through their Agent - Churchill Cellars.

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Viña Tarapacá Gran Reserva Carmenère 2019 (Chile) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is a lovely Chilean Carmenère that I've enjoyed and recommended many times over the years. The latest vintage is the 2019 and arrived at the LCBO last month as part of the February 20th LCBO VINTAGES Release - with plenty of bottles still available across Ontario.

It is produced by Viña Tarapacá, an historic winery in Chile whose roots go back to 1874 in the foothills of the Andes Mountains. Today, Viña Tarapacá forms part of VSPT Wine Group, one of Chile's leading and benchmark wine producers.

Viña Tarapacá is located at the El Rosario Estate in Isla de Maipo, an area considered as the finest and most traditional for producing fine wines in Chile. This particular Carmenère comes from their Gran Reserva range of wines - a line that aims to express the essence of terroir at the El Rosario Estate using Viña Tarapacá's expertise and many years of tradition on this land. The Gran Reserva wines are meticulously crafted, contemporary, and versatile, while striving to faithfully reflect its origin. This Carmenère is a blend of Maipo Valley's best blocks at the El Rosario Estate and was aged in American and French oak barrels for 8 months.

Having enjoyed the 2018 Viña Tarapacá Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon in January, I fully expect this red wine to be just as wonderful. Let's see how the 2019 Carmenère is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

VIÑA TARAPACÁ GRAN RESERVA CARMENÈRE 2019 - DO Maipo Valley, Chile (#57513) (XD) - $17.95
The medium-high intensity aromatics are fresh with wild herbs mingling with blackberry, black cherry, and spice notes. It's medium+ bodied on the palate with fine herbally, blackberry, black cherry replays joined by savoury oak spice flavours. Acids are fresh and uplifting while the smooth, refined tannins are nicely textured. More savoury and earthy on the juicy finish, with very good length. Enjoy over the next 3-5 years. Score: 89 pts

Other fine wines by Viña Tarapacá also available at the LCBO, while others can be ordered through their Agent - Philippe Dandurand Wines Ltd.

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March 6, 2021 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: Argentina + Women Winemakers

The main feature of the March 6, 2021 LCBO VINTAGES Release focuses on wines from Argentina - the Land of Extremes, while the mini-theme looks at 8 Top Women Winemakers. All of the wines from the themes, as well as those from the main release should be on shelves by Saturday.

We begin with the main theme that looks at the wines of Argentina, a land that produces quality wines in remote and high-altitude vineyards. Of the twelve wines featured, five are included among my top wine picks and the lone white is a lovely, minimally-oaked Chardonnay. There are a pair of wines by Catena from high-altitude vineyards at more than 900 metres above sea level - one is a Cabernet Sauvignon and the other is a Cabernet Franc. The other two Argentinean wine recommendations are both red blends - the Tonel 78 is two-thirds Malbec and one-third Bonarda, while the Doña Paula 1350 is a blend of 50% Cabernet Franc, 45% Malbec, and 5% Casavecchia.

The mini-thematic on Women Winemakers is in honour of International Women's Day which is held on the 8th of March every year. Eight women, including a pair from Argentina, are featured as part of this theme. There are six wines listed - the wines from Argentinean women Dr. Laura Catena and Susana Balbo are listed as part of the main theme on Argentinean wines - and just one wine made my list of wine recommendations. It was crafted by Jane Cooper and is a fine Sauvignon Blanc from the new wine sub-region of Ohau in New Zealand.

Red wine picks from the main release include a Languedoc red that is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah, while the Rasteau consists of mainly Grenache with Carignan, Mourvèdre, and Syrah completing the blend. From Italy, the Sicilian red off the volcanic soils of Etna is made with 100% Nerello Mascalese, while the Brunello from Tuscany is made with 100% Sangiovese Grosso, and the Chianti Classico consists of 85% Sangiovese, 5% Merlot, 3% Canaiolo, and 3% Colorino. Lastly, the Rioja consists of 90% Tempranillo and 10% Graciano, while the Chilean red is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon.

Among white wine recommendations from the rest of the release, the only blend is the Vinho Verde that consists of approximately 85% Alvarinho and 15% Trajadura. Single varietal wines include a Moschofilero from Greece, a Grüner Veltliner from Austria, and a maturing Semillon from Hunter Valley. For Riesling wine lovers, there are a few with different levels of sweetness - from the off-dry Riesling from Niagara, to the medium-sweet Riesling from Nahe, and lastly the very sweet Riesling Spätlese from Mosel.

For Port wine lovers, the Barros 10-Year-Old Tawny Port is a traditional blend of Tinta Barroca, Tinta Roriz, Touriga Franca, and Touriga Nacional, while the Croft Vintage Port is a single vineyard Port made using traditional Port wine grapes from the famous estate of Quinta da Roêda.

Enjoy my wine recommendations from this release! Salud!

Red Wine:

• CUVÉE R PREMIUM 2018 - IGP Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, France (#18149) (XD) - $14.95
• PERDEBERG THE VINEYARD COLLECTION CINSAULT 2018 - WO Coastal Region, South Africa (#18681) (XD) - $17.95
• CATENA APPELLATION SAN CARLOS CABERNET FRANC 2018 - San Carlos, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#450106) (XD) - $19.95  91 pts  wine review
  
• SAN PEDRO 1865 SELECTED VINEYARDS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2018 - DO Maipo Valley, Chile (#37911) (XD) - $19.95  89 pts  wine review
  
• TONEL 78 BARREL SELECT MALBEC/BONARDA 2017 - Mendoza, Argentina (#17380) (XD) - $20.95  90 pts  wine review
• LA CHEVALIÈRE RASTEAU 2017 - AC Rasteau, Rhône, France (#18502) (XD) - $20.95  90 pts  wine review

• SAN FABIANO CALCINAIA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2018 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#23408) (XD) - $21.95
• CATENA APPELLATION AGRELO CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2018 - Agrelo, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#484303) (XD) - $21.95  92 pts  wine review
• DOÑA PAULA 1350 2017 - Gualtallary, Tupungato, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#17382) (XD) - $24.95  91 pts  wine review
• TORNATORE PIETRARIZZO 2017 - DOC Etna Rosso, Sicily, Italy (#18926) (XD) - $34.95  FE
• EL COTO DE IMAZ GRAN RESERVA 2012 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#976811) (XD) - $39.95
• LA TORRE BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2015 - Estate bottled, DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#17626) (XD) - $62.95

White Wine:

• MURALHAS DE MONÇÃO VINHO VERDE 2019 - Monção e Melgaço, DOC Vinho Verde, Portugal (#80374) (XD) - $15.95
• TROUPIS FTERI MOSCHOFILERO 2019 - PGI Peloponnese, Greece (#647388) (XD) - $15.95
• KEW OLD VINE RIESLING 2016 - VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#392126) (D) - $15.95
• OHAU WOVEN STONE SINGLE VINEYARD SAUVIGNON BLANC 2019 - Sustainable, Ohau, North Island, New Zealand (#17552) (XD) - $17.95
• ZUCCARDI Q CHARDONNAY 2019 - Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#232702) (XD) - $19.95  89 pts  wine review
• PADDY BORTHWICK CHARDONNAY 2018 - Wairarapa, North Island, New Zealand (#507517) (XD) - $24.95
• MOUNT PLEASANT ELIZABETH CELLAR AGED SEMILLON 2014 - Hunter Valley, New South Wales, Australia (#724492) (XD) - $25.95  FE
• HIDDEN BENCH CHARDONNAY 2018 - Unfiltered, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#68817) (XD) - $29.95
• HEXAMER QUARZIT RIESLING 2018 - Qualitätswein, Nahe, Germany (#18251) (M) - $31.95
• BRAUNEBERGER JUFFER-SONNENUHR RIESLING SPÄTLESE 2017 - Prädikatswein, Mosel, Germany (#298182) (S) - $34.95
• DOMÄNE WACHAU RIED ACHLEITEN SMARAGD GRÜNER VELTLINER 2018 - Vegan, sustainable, Wachau, Austria (#18769) (XD) - $38.95  FE

Fortified:

• BARROS 10-YEAR-OLD TAWNY PORT - DOP, Portugal (#964353) (S) - $28.95
• CROFT QUINTA DA ROEDA VINTAGE PORT 2005 - Bottled 2007, DOP, Portugal (#650556) (S) - $59.95

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La Chevalière Rasteau 2017 (Rhône) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is a lovely red wine from Rasteau, a Cru of the Southern Rhône Valley. It is brand new to the LCBO and will be widely available across Ontario as Wine of the Month from the upcoming March 6, 2021 LCBO VINTAGES Release.

It is produced by Les Grandes Serres, a negociant firm based in the Southern Rhône Valley, using grapes sourced from the village of Rasteau, north of Vaucluse county. Winegrowing activities were revived in Rasteau in the Middle Ages, becoming the largest vineyards in Vaucluse by the 18th century. In 1937, Rasteau became part of the Côtes du Rhône AOC appellation and in 1966 it was promoted to Côtes du Rhône Villages status. After much hard work and dedication, the dry red wines of Rasteau were elevated to Cru status in 2010.

The village of Rasteau offers a variety of terroirs that includes red marl and sandstone, clay and limestone soils. Much of Rasteau is also covered with the famous rolled pebbles that the Rhône Valley is known for. These pebbles retain heat from the Mediterranean sun during the day and release it to the vines at night, thereby producing excellent concentration in the grapes. The distinctive wines of Rasteau are known for their structure, richness, and intensity. Let's see how the La Chevalière is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

LA CHEVALIÈRE RASTEAU 2017 - AC Rasteau, Rhône, France (#18502) (XD) - $20.95
Predominantly Grenache with Carignan, Mourvèdre, and Syrah completing the blend. The medium-high intensity and fresh aromatics are intriguingly herbal with spice, dark red berry, raspberry, and touches of stone, charcuterie and meaty notes adding further interest. The medium-full bodied palate is rich, structured and slightly warming with dark red berry, garrigue, licorice, spice, clove, and hints of plum flavours. Acids are juicy and well-balanced, while the structured tannins are smooth, refined and have a subtle chalky texture. Savoury and earthy notes come to the fore on the long, juicy finish. Enjoy over the next 2-3 years. Score: 90 pts

Other lovely wines from La Chevalière can be ordered through their Agent - DBINO David Beauroy Selections.

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